Invasive Plants: Cogon Grass, Camphor Tree and Air Potato

Invasive Plants can displace existing species. Cogon Grass which can reach 6 feet and has only 30% of its growth above ground is found in every county in Florida; Camphor Tree is spread by seed, can be a very large, strong-wooded tree which can be spread by birds, and Air Potato a highly invasive vine which can climb high into trees and spread by a bulbil. These can be found in your Florida garden.

[@apotheosisofarose1425]

Camphor is a STRONG sapling! I've seen these things growing right through my mom's gutters 😵

[@letstalkgardeningbyufifas]

Wow.

[@karl6852]

I have camphor trees all over the place in my new backyard(Tampa) and air potatoes in a of couple spots. I'm going to systematically try to eradicate the air potato. the camphor trees are okay, they can be cut back and managed before they get gigantic. I figured the Indians used the leaves as a mosquito repellent, but then I learned that the trees were introduced long afterwards.

[@jackofalltrades7307]

Also In the left of the picture during the Air Potato discussion I think I saw poison ivy. Leaves of three.

[@letstalkgardeningbyufifas]

Interesting the things you find when you take over a new landscape.

[@jacobjerny7502]

Camphor is a wonderful wild edible! A video on how to utilize camphor is what I just came from. The video is by Green Deane if you want to see it for yourself

[@letstalkgardeningbyufifas]

Interesting. However, it is not a tree UF/IFAS Extension recommend planting.
plants.ifas.ufl.edu/plant-directory/cinnamomum-camphora/